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April 12 Board Meeting Summary

Regular Meeting

The Red Oak CSD Board of Directors met with all members in attendance. President Charla Schmid and the other members devoted a meeting centered once again on staffing and budget planning for 2010 – 2011. The highlight of the evening was a recognition provided to Ms. Sheree Rhodes.

Sheree Rhodes Named FCS Teacher of the Year for Iowa

The Red Oak Board of Directors proudly recognizes Ms. Rhodes for an outstanding honor. As stated by Board President Charla Schmid: “The Red Oak Community School Board of Directors officially commends Sheree Rhodes for outstanding service to the students of Red Oak High School and for the commitment to professional growth through the Iowa Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. The IAFCS will honor Sheree Rhodes at the State Convention on April 24, 2010 as their Professional of the Year. Sheree Rhodes has been contributing at Red Oak High School since her employment in 2006. Congratulations to Ms. Rhodes and best wishes as she proceeds to the AAFCS National Teacher of the Year Recognition Program.

Shown above from left to right are Director Warren Hayes, Director Paul Griffen, Honoree Sheree Rhodes, President Charla Schmid, Director Elizabeth Dilley, and Vice-President Lee Fellers.

Outstanding Students Recognized

The Directors recognized two students from Red Oak High School who have been named to the Omaha World-Herald 2010 All-Academic Program. Honorees include Jami Redel, daughter of Dennis & Jeanne Redel and Lauren Fellers, daughter of Lee & Trish Fellers. 

Summary: Board of Directors’ Actions and Discussions . . .

1. The Directors reviewed and discussed the professional development schedule for 2010 – 2011. The district will continue with the use of early dismissals on Wednesdays in the next school year.
2. Information was received indicating the Red Oak Rotary was successful in obtaining with the Red Oak School District a grant of $20,000 from the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa to help with renovations at The Cage area on the campus of Red Oak Middle School.
3. A public hearing was conducted on the 2010 – 2011 school budget. No one asked to speak during the hearing. The Directors approved the new budget limits that will require a tax levy of $17.85 as compared to $16.25 in the current year.
4. ROHS Principal Jedd Sherman and the ROHS Drop-out Prevention Task Team presented a component of the planned program for the 2010 – 2011 school year that uses a survey instrument to help identify students who are most likely at risk to leave school. This information could then be used to implement intervention strategies. The Directors requested additional information to be returned to them.
5. Principal Jedd Sherman and Dean of Students Angie Spangenberg updated the Directors about the forthcoming annual prom and addressed concerns from the Directors.
6. Inman School Principal Buck Laughlin provided current enrollment trends and staffing needs for the 2010 – 2011 school year. Faced with anticipated class sizes in two grades that exceed the preferred targeted number of 20, the Directors authorized the recruitment of one additional primary teacher. Additional needs will be monitored during the August registration time period.
7. Washington School Principal Doug Barry reviewed current enrollment numbers projected for 2010 – 2011. With an anticipated grade five enrollment increase, the Directors advised the administrative team to seek at least a half-time core subject teacher to assist with class sizes that could average 26 per classroom. Additional information will be returned to the Directors at the next board meeting.
8. Middle School Principal Barb Sims reported that she will adjust class teaching assignments to address the needs of students enrolled in the district’s talented and gifted program called ELO.
9. The District’s Leadership Team proposed that a school counselor be shared between Inman Primary and Washington Intermediate for the 2010 – 2011 school year. The sharing program will create the realignment of program responsibilities. The Directors will monitor this change throughout the next school year.
10. High School Principal Jedd Sherman provided preliminary enrollment numbers for the 2010 – 2011 school year. As a result of anticipated class numbers, the Directors approved the reduction of a fulltime agriculture education position from 1.0 to .5 and the Directors approved the elimination of one fulltime mathematics teacher.
11. The Directors approved the involuntary transfers of Sami Jo Moyers and Kimberly Reeve from Red Oak Middle to Red Oak High for the 2010 – 2011 school year.
12. Director of Activities Angie Spangenberg provided a comprehensive review of all programs from the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Concerns were reviewed with the Directors on current challenges and expectations for the next school year. Recommendations for all extra-curricular staffing assignments will be made at the April 26 meeting.
13. The Directors reviewed the official language used in Staff Reduction Notices and Resolutions. Recommendations from the superintendent will be received at the April 26 meeting.

Consent Agenda

The consent agenda was unanimously approved. With this action: 

• Minutes from March 22, 25, and 30, 2010 were approved.
• Monthly business reports as presented were approved.
• Resignation notice from Ruby Buehler, ROMS maintenance, was accepted.
• ISCAP financial application materials as presented by the business manager were approved.
• Legal documents to complete the refinancing of the general obligation bond program were approved.

Next Meeting

The next meeting for the Red Oak Board of Directors will take place on Monday, April 26, 2010 beginning at 6:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Sue Wagaman Board Room, Webster Central Office, 904 Broad Street, Red Oak.